Tunisia have won only one of their last seven meetings with Nigeria, but this was their most-recent encounter, a 1-0 victory in Garoua in the round of 16 at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
Before that, the Super Eagles defeated the Eagles of Carthage in the third-place play-off at the 2019 edition; Odion Ighalo the only scorer in Cairo.
Since the start of the new millennium, the eight encounters between the pair have produced a miserly 14 goals, four of which (29%) came in one match, a World Cup qualifier in 2009 that ended 2-2.
Nigeria vs Tunisia preview
After Group C's two heavyweights made winning starts to their Africa Cup of Nations campaigns on Tuesday, will either make it two wins out of two at Fez Stadium? On Tuesday night, Tunisia demolished Uganda 3-1 in Rabāṭ. Ellyes Skhiri broke the deadlock inside ten minutes, before Elias Achouri struck twice, meaning the Cranes' goal in injury time was a mere consolation.
The Eagles of Carthage's sole triumph at this tournament came as hosts in 2004, only going beyond the quarter-finals once since then, beaten semi-finalists in 2019. At last year's edition, they disastrously failed to win any of their three matches and suffered an ignominious group stage exit, but Sami Trabelsi's side, who will be at the World Cup next summer, are forecast to do much better across North Africa this time round.
As for Nigeria, they were 2-1 winners against Tanzania on Tuesday, thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and then Ademola Lookman. Unlike their opponents, the Super Eagles will not be heading stateside in June, elimianted from World Cup contention by DR Congo last month, defeated on penalties in the CAF play-off final, so are arguably under even more pressure to perform at this Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles are three-times AFCON winners, appearing in eight finals overall, including the most-recent one, beaten 2-1 by hosts Côte d'Ivoire in Abidjan in February 2024. Nevertheless, Nigeria have reached, at least, the semi-finals at 13 of the last 15 Cup of Nations at which they've featured, so have to be considered one of the front-runners this time round. Here, this clash will be a serious litmus test of both's credentials, so who will send out a statement at Fez Stadium?
Nigeria vs Tunisia head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 21.
- Nigeria Wins: 6. Draws: 8. Tunisia Wins: 7.
Nigeria team news
Éric Chelle's squad boasts plenty of talent, including Fulham trio Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samu Chukwueze, all of whom started againt Tanzania earlier this week.
Former Fulham man Ademola Lookman was also in Tuesday's lineup, scoring the winner in Fez, while Akor Adams was chosen in attack, with Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers in reserve.
Nigeria predicted lineup vs Tunisia: (4-4-2): Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman; Onuachu, Osimhen.
Nigeria player to watch vs Tunisia
Victor Osimhen remains the Super Eagles talisman, netting 31 times for Nigeria to date, eight of which have come in 2025, so will he add to his tally here?
Tunisia team news
Sami Trabelsi's team too features a few English-based players, including Yan Valery of Sheffield Wednesday and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri.
Sebastian Tounekti of Celtic was introduced as a late substitute against Uganda, earning his fourth cap, hoping for some more minutes here.
Tunisia predicted lineup vs Nigeria: (4-3-3): Dahmen, Valery, Bronn, Talbi, Ali Abdi; Sassi, Skhiri, Hannibal; Achouri, Mastouri, Saad.
Tunisia player to watch vs Nigeria
Ellyes Skhiri of Eintracht Frankfurt scored his first international goal for over four years on Tuesday, so can he now make it two in two?
Nigeria vs Tunisia prediction
This heavyweight Saturday night AFCON clash in Fez could go either-way, but we are backing Nigeria for three points, given the Super Eagles' superior attacking talent: Nigeria 2-1 Tunisia.
Nigeria vs Tunisia FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Nigeria vs Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Nigeria vs Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Nigeria vs Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Nigeria vs Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Nigeria vs Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Nigeria vs Tunisia takes place on Saturday 27 December 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (ET) & 12:00 (PT).